Commanding centre-back Fitz Hall believes he is the fittest he has been “for a few years” after suffering his fair share of injuries in recent years.

The 31-year-old joined Watford in the summer on a free transfer after more than four years at Queens Park Rangers.

However, he had to wait until September 22 to make his Watford debut after a minor knock in pre-season and fitness concerns meant he missed the beginning of the campaign.

Since his debut against Bristol City, Hall has gone on to make 11 appearances in the Championship and has produced a number of outstanding performances in the centre of the Hornets’ back three.

Hall has struggled with injuries in recent years but he said: “I am very happy and I feel very comfortable; this is the best I have felt for a few years.

"I think the run of games I had before I hurt my hip in November was the first time in a few years that I actually played eight games in a row.

“So that’s even an improvement in itself and I am feeling very strong at the moment.”

Watford started the season with a traditional back four but Hornets boss Gianfranco Zola decided to switch to the current 3-5-2 formation in a bid to shore up what was a shaky defence.

It is a system which is rarely played in England but the Golden Boys have adapted well and are in fine form in the Championship.

“When I first came in, the manager played it (the 3-5-2 formation) a couple times in pre-season,” Hall said. “We did start off the season 4-4-2, but we always did train using 3-5-2.

“I suppose we had a ‘Plan B’ if you like. If the game is not going for us then we’d change and it seems we’ve played a bit better with the three. “The manager has seen that and then we’ve just kept on with the three.”

With the influx on loanees from Udinese and Granada, Watford have one of the biggest and arguably strongest squads in the Championship.

There is competition for places across the pitch and Zola has not been afraid to rotate if he feels it necessary. Hall believes the regular changes to the team is working to the Hornets' advantage.

“We have loads of very good centre backs that can play in the same position, so we’re well equipped,” Hall explained.

“We’ve got a bit of rotation going on; even when we win games we change it around and it keeps everyone fresh.

“It makes everyone know that when they play, they’ve got to perform otherwise they might not get back in for a few games. But this season everyone has been performing.

“So it’s working to our advantage having a big squad because sometimes it can work to your disadvantage.”

Following Watford’s 4-1 victory over Barnsley on Saturday, the Hornets moved into the play-off positions.

Zola’s men are currently on a seven match unbeaten run in the Championship and hopes of a promotion push are gaining momentum among the fans.

However, Hall claims the players are not getting carried away by their recent form.

He said: “This season there is going to be ups and downs. We’re going to have some downs along the way.

“At the moment it’s going right for us and you know fans will be fans and get carried away with it.

“They come to see us do well and when we’re doing well they understandably want to sing about it. It is just for us to keep our feet on the floor.

“We are never going to shout and say we are getting promoted. Obviously every team in the Championship wants to get promoted but to use a cliché, we just look at the next game and if there is one game to go at the end of the season and we are fighting for it, then we’ll say ‘yeah, definitely, that’s what we’re fighting for’.

“We are just fighting for three points every game and wherever that takes us, we’ll be happy.”

Comments (29)

Top player and with Hall, Hoban and Ekstrand we have three quality centre backs!
Can't be bad ay.... Especially as we still have Neuton and Nosworthy to add into the mix! Oh and Doyley and Cassetti.... Oh and Franchone! Wow we really do have a great squad!

Top player and with Hall, Hoban and Ekstrand we have three quality centre backs!
Can't be bad ay.... Especially as we still have Neuton and Nosworthy to add into the mix! Oh and Doyley and Cassetti.... Oh and Franchone! Wow we really do have a great squad!DuffmanWFC

Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.

Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.SAHornet

SAHornet wrote:
Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.

Agreed

[quote][p][bold]SAHornet[/bold] wrote:
Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.[/p][/quote]AgreedBush Hornet

SAHornet wrote:
Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.

Agreed

Yes it's all good! And I always thought he was quality after he nearly strangled booferoids.
Does anyone remember that Taylor guy, I think he was nicknamed Tiny? Seems so long ago.

[quote][p][bold]Bush Hornet[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]SAHornet[/bold] wrote:
Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.[/p][/quote]Agreed[/p][/quote]Yes it's all good! And I always thought he was quality after he nearly strangled booferoids.
Does anyone remember that Taylor guy, I think he was nicknamed Tiny? Seems so long ago.lutondown

Was'nt the most obvious signing and took time to regain his fitness. At some points i was'nt even sure he exsisted.

But my word! He has been one of the stand out performers so far and certainly adds to the team in many areas!

Here's to a long and healthy season Fitz!

Was'nt the most obvious signing and took time to regain his fitness. At some points i was'nt even sure he exsisted.
But my word! He has been one of the stand out performers so far and certainly adds to the team in many areas!
Here's to a long and healthy season Fitz!@ChrisBottom16

@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Was'nt the most obvious signing and took time to regain his fitness. At some points i was'nt even sure he exsisted.

But my word! He has been one of the stand out performers so far and certainly adds to the team in many areas!

Here's to a long and healthy season Fitz!

I'll drink to that tomorrow, at your expense! Lol

[quote][p][bold]@ChrisBottom16[/bold] wrote:
Was'nt the most obvious signing and took time to regain his fitness. At some points i was'nt even sure he exsisted.
But my word! He has been one of the stand out performers so far and certainly adds to the team in many areas!
Here's to a long and healthy season Fitz![/p][/quote]I'll drink to that tomorrow, at your expense! Lollutondown

SAHornet wrote: Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.

Agreed

Yes it's all good! And I always thought he was quality after he nearly strangled booferoids. Does anyone remember that Taylor guy, I think he was nicknamed Tiny? Seems so long ago.

Excellent CB, he is the sort of player you do not want to see in the opposition line up and is always likley to chip in with a goal or two from set pieces.

I think I remember that Tiny Taylor guy. Did he not suffer with a self confidence problem and left to join a club with no competition for places?

[quote][p][bold]lutondown[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Bush Hornet[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]SAHornet[/bold] wrote: Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.[/p][/quote]Agreed[/p][/quote]Yes it's all good! And I always thought he was quality after he nearly strangled booferoids. Does anyone remember that Taylor guy, I think he was nicknamed Tiny? Seems so long ago.[/p][/quote]Excellent CB, he is the sort of player you do not want to see in the opposition line up and is always likley to chip in with a goal or two from set pieces.
I think I remember that Tiny Taylor guy. Did he not suffer with a self confidence problem and left to join a club with no competition for places?D.unstable

SAHornet wrote:
Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.

Agreed

Yes it's all good! And I always thought he was quality after he nearly strangled booferoids.
Does anyone remember that Taylor guy, I think he was nicknamed Tiny? Seems so long ago.

Didn't Tinisaurus become extinct at the start of the Zola age?

[quote][p][bold]lutondown[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Bush Hornet[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]SAHornet[/bold] wrote:
Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.[/p][/quote]Agreed[/p][/quote]Yes it's all good! And I always thought he was quality after he nearly strangled booferoids.
Does anyone remember that Taylor guy, I think he was nicknamed Tiny? Seems so long ago.[/p][/quote]Didn't Tinisaurus become extinct at the start of the Zola age?Travelling Hornet

SAHornet wrote: Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.

Agreed

Yes it's all good! And I always thought he was quality after he nearly strangled booferoids. Does anyone remember that Taylor guy, I think he was nicknamed Tiny? Seems so long ago.

Excellent CB, he is the sort of player you do not want to see in the opposition line up and is always likley to chip in with a goal or two from set pieces.

I think I remember that Tiny Taylor guy. Did he not suffer with a self confidence problem and left to join a club with no competition for places?

Lol. Nice one.

[quote][p][bold]D.unstable[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]lutondown[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Bush Hornet[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]SAHornet[/bold] wrote: Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.[/p][/quote]Agreed[/p][/quote]Yes it's all good! And I always thought he was quality after he nearly strangled booferoids. Does anyone remember that Taylor guy, I think he was nicknamed Tiny? Seems so long ago.[/p][/quote]Excellent CB, he is the sort of player you do not want to see in the opposition line up and is always likley to chip in with a goal or two from set pieces.
I think I remember that Tiny Taylor guy. Did he not suffer with a self confidence problem and left to join a club with no competition for places?[/p][/quote]Lol. Nice one.lutondown

SAHornet wrote:
Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.

Agreed

Yes it's all good! And I always thought he was quality after he nearly strangled booferoids.
Does anyone remember that Taylor guy, I think he was nicknamed Tiny? Seems so long ago.

Didn't Tinisaurus become extinct at the start of the Zola age?

Ooooh. It must be a dormant memory

[quote][p][bold]Travelling Hornet[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]lutondown[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Bush Hornet[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]SAHornet[/bold] wrote:
Testimony too, to our medical team that they can keep an injury prone centre back like Hall fit for many more games in a row than he ever had at QPR. We really do have a club that is being run in a first-rate manner.[/p][/quote]Agreed[/p][/quote]Yes it's all good! And I always thought he was quality after he nearly strangled booferoids.
Does anyone remember that Taylor guy, I think he was nicknamed Tiny? Seems so long ago.[/p][/quote]Didn't Tinisaurus become extinct at the start of the Zola age?[/p][/quote]Ooooh. It must be a dormant memorylutondown

I probably don't have the right to post this, being an absent fan and all but I really hope we manage 14,000 plus away fans tomoz. Show the team and management that the fans love what's going on at the Vic. I'll be listening in all afternoon again so hoping you all have a ball and an 'orns victory. Fancy a 2-1 to us.

I probably don't have the right to post this, being an absent fan and all but I really hope we manage 14,000 plus away fans tomoz. Show the team and management that the fans love what's going on at the Vic. I'll be listening in all afternoon again so hoping you all have a ball and an 'orns victory. Fancy a 2-1 to us.SAHornet

Yeah nice to see that all the gloom mungers have stayed away or kept very quiet over the last month or so!
All those anti Pozzos and anti Zola's arnt so vocal now are they? GOOD
Our club is moving in the right direction and another 3 points tomorrow will be spot on!

Yeah nice to see that all the gloom mungers have stayed away or kept very quiet over the last month or so!
All those anti Pozzos and anti Zola's arnt so vocal now are they? GOOD
Our club is moving in the right direction and another 3 points tomorrow will be spot on!DuffmanWFC

Believe special mention has to go to Hornets Head of Medical Marco Cesarini & his team on the work he has done in getting the players up to the standard they are at now.

We all laughed at the 'muscle imbalance' theory at the start of the season but hey results of their work are showing.

#italiansdoitbetter Watford Italia

Believe special mention has to go to Hornets Head of Medical Marco Cesarini & his team on the work he has done in getting the players up to the standard they are at now.
We all laughed at the 'muscle imbalance' theory at the start of the season but hey results of their work are showing.
#italiansdoitbetter Watford ItaliaJoeWFC_12

SAHornet wrote:
I probably don't have the right to post this, being an absent fan and all but I really hope we manage 14,000 plus away fans tomoz. Show the team and management that the fans love what's going on at the Vic. I'll be listening in all afternoon again so hoping you all have a ball and an 'orns victory. Fancy a 2-1 to us.

You have every right to voice your opinion Bokke

[quote][p][bold]SAHornet[/bold] wrote:
I probably don't have the right to post this, being an absent fan and all but I really hope we manage 14,000 plus away fans tomoz. Show the team and management that the fans love what's going on at the Vic. I'll be listening in all afternoon again so hoping you all have a ball and an 'orns victory. Fancy a 2-1 to us.[/p][/quote]You have every right to voice your opinion Bokkelutondown

Loyal Supporter wrote:
When was the last time we had so many genuinely happy campers on this forum -loving it! It really shows on match days now too...can't wait for tomorrow, whatever the result...

Not liking this niceness ! Really shows on match days? Bad image stuff that! What you don't mind if hull thrash us , as long as you and your chums are man hugging? Rubbish talk..

[quote][p][bold]Loyal Supporter[/bold] wrote:
When was the last time we had so many genuinely happy campers on this forum -loving it! It really shows on match days now too...can't wait for tomorrow, whatever the result...[/p][/quote]Not liking this niceness ! Really shows on match days? Bad image stuff that! What you don't mind if hull thrash us , as long as you and your chums are man hugging? Rubbish talk..buckler

SAHornet wrote:
I probably don't have the right to post this, being an absent fan and all but I really hope we manage 14,000 plus away fans tomoz. Show the team and management that the fans love what's going on at the Vic. I'll be listening in all afternoon again so hoping you all have a ball and an 'orns victory. Fancy a 2-1 to us.

You have every right to voice your opinion Bokke

Cheers LD. You're a really nice bloke. Can't wait to meet and give both you and bucks a really HUGE hug. hahahahahaha (that's one "ha" for every Castle consumed tonight).

[quote][p][bold]lutondown[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]SAHornet[/bold] wrote:
I probably don't have the right to post this, being an absent fan and all but I really hope we manage 14,000 plus away fans tomoz. Show the team and management that the fans love what's going on at the Vic. I'll be listening in all afternoon again so hoping you all have a ball and an 'orns victory. Fancy a 2-1 to us.[/p][/quote]You have every right to voice your opinion Bokke[/p][/quote]Cheers LD. You're a really nice bloke. Can't wait to meet and give both you and bucks a really HUGE hug. hahahahahaha (that's one "ha" for every Castle consumed tonight).SAHornet

SAHornet wrote:
I probably don't have the right to post this, being an absent fan and all but I really hope we manage 14,000 plus away fans tomoz. Show the team and management that the fans love what's going on at the Vic. I'll be listening in all afternoon again so hoping you all have a ball and an 'orns victory. Fancy a 2-1 to us.

You have every right to voice your opinion Bokke

Cheers LD. You're a really nice bloke. Can't wait to meet and give both you and bucks a really HUGE hug. hahahahahaha (that's one &quot;ha" for every Castle consumed tonight).

Gawd ..... I'm going to cry.... ....
stay in the Veldt Mr Bokki

[quote][p][bold]SAHornet[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]lutondown[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]SAHornet[/bold] wrote:
I probably don't have the right to post this, being an absent fan and all but I really hope we manage 14,000 plus away fans tomoz. Show the team and management that the fans love what's going on at the Vic. I'll be listening in all afternoon again so hoping you all have a ball and an 'orns victory. Fancy a 2-1 to us.[/p][/quote]You have every right to voice your opinion Bokke[/p][/quote]Cheers LD. You're a really nice bloke. Can't wait to meet and give both you and bucks a really HUGE hug. hahahahahaha (that's one "ha" for every Castle consumed tonight).[/p][/quote]Gawd ..... I'm going to cry.... ....
stay in the Veldt Mr Bokkiradlettman

SAHornet wrote:
I probably don't have the right to post this, being an absent fan and all but I really hope we manage 14,000 plus away fans tomoz. Show the team and management that the fans love what's going on at the Vic. I'll be listening in all afternoon again so hoping you all have a ball and an 'orns victory. Fancy a 2-1 to us.

You have every right to voice your opinion Bokke

Cheers LD. You're a really nice bloke. Can't wait to meet and give both you and bucks a really HUGE hug. hahahahahaha (that's one &quot;ha" for every Castle consumed tonight).

Gawd ..... I'm going to cry.... ....
stay in the Veldt Mr Bokki

Yes, it's ruining my mean image. Grrrr
;-)

[quote][p][bold]radlettman[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]SAHornet[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]lutondown[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]SAHornet[/bold] wrote:
I probably don't have the right to post this, being an absent fan and all but I really hope we manage 14,000 plus away fans tomoz. Show the team and management that the fans love what's going on at the Vic. I'll be listening in all afternoon again so hoping you all have a ball and an 'orns victory. Fancy a 2-1 to us.[/p][/quote]You have every right to voice your opinion Bokke[/p][/quote]Cheers LD. You're a really nice bloke. Can't wait to meet and give both you and bucks a really HUGE hug. hahahahahaha (that's one "ha" for every Castle consumed tonight).[/p][/quote]Gawd ..... I'm going to cry.... ....
stay in the Veldt Mr Bokki[/p][/quote]Yes, it's ruining my mean image. Grrrr
;-)lutondown